Neck pad for salon bowls for rinsing the back neckline

ABSTRACT

Presented is a neckline rinsing system. The system includes a neck pad adapted to engage a neck-receiving curvature of a salon bowl. The neck pad includes a top portion, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall connected to and extending downward from the top portion. The neck pad further includes a flap connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall. The first sidewall includes a drain pan configured externally thereon. The drain pan includes a well, multiple drain-out channels, and a hosepipe inlet. The neckline rinsing system further includes a hosepipe and a water inlet. The water inlet is attachable to the interior of the salon bowl. The water inlet includes a main body having a front side, and a rear side, and a port. The hosepipe connects to the port of the water inlet at its first end and to the hosepipe inlet at its second end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to salon bowls, and more particularly, to a salon bowl and neck/headrest combination. More specifically, the present invention presents a salon bowl arrangement or a neck pad in the form of a neck/headrest adapted for rinsing the back neckline, wherein the neck pad is removably attachable onto the salon bowl during the hair washing procedure.

BACKGROUND

Almost every one of us has gone through hair washing procedures at hairdressers' salons, hospitals, or occasionally even at private residences. Mostly, the person undergoing hair wash has to lean his/her head rested back against the washing bowl with his/her neck being fixed at the height of the hairline in a recessed area/notch on the edge of the bowl. The washing and rinsing water is then applied by a hairstylist/hairdresser using a tap or a hand shower that gets a water connection from a water source using a hosepipe.

Although, a variety of salon bowls or sinks are known. None of the salon bowls are known to the inventor that provides sufficient comfort and satisfactory hair wash to the person undergoing hair wash. There are several instances or proposals made in the past by several inventors for example, as disclosed in at least U.S. Ser. No. 11/253,046, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,469,430, 4,587,680, 2,161,590, 2,948,903, 4,411,032, the salon bowls include an inbuilt recessed area (or even recessed area provided with a cushioning accessory) for supporting the neck of the user getting his/her hair washed. One thing that's common in all of the above prior art is, all of these existing salon bowls have a special arrangement to fix a water tape or are provided with a hand shower connected to a water source (water tap for example) via hosepipe. The use of the fixed water tap is very cumbersome to use for washing the hair and often water splashes out of the bowl. Using the hand shower for washing hair is better options but results in unsatisfying handling of hair and also accidental splashing of water out of the bowl when the salon professional attempts to wash the back neckline of the user. Another disadvantage is that long hair (in females) can spread out in the whole bowl and/or the ends of the hair can be swept along into the evacuation opening present in the bowl together with the washing and rinsing water that is draining off, so, long hair must be continuously held up high by the stylist using at least one hand when he/she is using the other hand to hold the hand shower. This is an undesirable activity done by the stylist.

In the light of the aforementioned background, the functionality and convenience of the state-of-the-art bowls, or arrangements for hair washing at the salons or parlours have been less than satisfactory.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a salon bowl arrangement or a neck pad that can be used with any salon bowl. Usually, the recessed portion of the salon bowl is hard and leads to neck pain for the person leaning his head rested back against the washing bowl. The proposed neck pad is made of comfort soft gel material to provide cushioning and support.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a salon bowl arrangement in the form of a neck pad that would provide a superior neck and head comfort to the person whose neck/head is resting thereon when the neck pad is coupled to the bowl.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a back neckline rinsing system removably couplable to the salon bowls and that provide: 1) a comfortable neck/headrest to the person undergoing hair wash 2) eliminates the need for using a separate water tap attached to the salon bowl or use of hand shower for washing the neckline hair.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide the neck pad detachably and immovably fixable on the intended curvature (where the person undergoing hair washing rests his head/neck) of the salon bowl. The neck pad is provided with a plurality of suction means or suction cups underside to allow the neck pad to tightly adhere to the interior and exterior surface of the salon bowl.

As an advantageous use, during the use of the proposed neck pad with the salon bowl, the stylist usually has both of his/her hands free and can continuously use the hands to hold up high the long hair of the person undergoing hair wash from the bottom of the bowl in order to ensure a perfect washing and rinsing process.

Embodiments of the present invention describe a neckline rinsing system includes a neck pad adapted to engage a neck-receiving curvature of a salon bowl. The neck includes a top portion, a first sidewall connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion, a second sidewall connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion, and at least one flap connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall or connected to and extending downward from each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

According to the embodiments, the first sidewall includes a drain pan configured externally thereon. The drain pan comprises a well, one or more drain-out channels, and at least one hosepipe inlet. At least one hosepipe inlet is adapted for receiving the second end of a hosepipe.

According to the embodiments, the hosepipe includes a first end, and a second end. The neckline rinsing system further comprises a water inlet attachable to the interior of the salon bowl. The water inlet comprises a main body including a front side, a rear side, and a port for connecting the first end of the hosepipe.

Various advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the present invention are made more apparent in the ensuing description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the neck pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the neck pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the neck pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the neckline rinsing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the neckline rinsing system of FIG. 5 .

FIGS. 7 and 8 show front perspective and back perspective views of a water inlet of the neckline rinsing system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the neckline rinsing system arranged on a salon bowl, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the neckline rinsing system arranged on a salon bowl and in use for hair washing at the neckline.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the neckline rinsing system of FIG. 5 showing connectivity of the hosepipe to the neck pad.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the neck pad of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of a neck pad of a neckline rinsing system according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for reference only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components, which constitutes a neck pad or a neckline rinsing system adapted for rinsing the back neckline undergoing hair wash in saloon or other like places. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that may be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, the detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The words “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, and “including”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

The salon bowl arrangement in the form of a neck pad and/or a back neckline rinsing system which the inventor regards as his invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be regarded as merely illustrative without restricting the scope and ambit of the present invention.

The present invention is an add-on accessory that can be used with an existing salon bowl or sink known in the art. The saloon sinks/bowls usually have different dimensions, shapes, or structures with at least a sidewall having a neck-receiving notch or recessed portion or curvature wherein the person undergoing hair wash needs to rest his head back. The present accessory is directed to sit over the notch or curvature where the person needs to rest his head.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 in conjunction with FIG. 9 , a neck pad 102 of a neckline rinsing system 100 of the present invention is shown. The neck pad 102 is adapted to engage or fit on a neck-receiving curvature 202 of a salon bowl 200. The neck-pad 102 is removably engaged to the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the bowl 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, in some embodiments, it might be possible to permanently attach the neck pad 102 to the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the bowl 200 during the manufacturing process. The neck pad 102 is preferably designed to fit on the standard/American style bowls or saloon bowls having vertical or close-to-vertical neck area. The salon bowl 200 includes a cavity 201 and a front face of the salon bowl 200 includes the neck-receiving curvature 202 adapted to receive the neck pad 102.

The neck pad 102 includes a top portion 102 a, a first sidewall 102 b, a second sidewall 102 c, and at least one flap 102 d. The top portion 102 a of the neck pad 102 is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. The top portion 102 a comes in contact with the person's neck when the neck pad 102 is installed on the salon bowl 200.

The first sidewall 102 b is integrally connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion 102 a. Likewise, the second sidewall 102 c is integrally connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion 102 a. The extension length of the sidewalls 102 b and 102 c is suitably chosen so that the neck pad 102 can adapt to salon bowls of varying dimensions, particularly the extension length is chosen such that the neck pad 102 can sit over the recessed or curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. In some other embodiment, the sidewalls 102 b, and 102 c may be removably connected to the top portion 102 a using a snap-fit mechanism (other similar mechanisms known in the art) instead of being integrally attached to the top portion forming a unitary product.

Further, the sidewall 102 b embodies a centrally located drain pan 106 with an inbuilt well 107. The drain pan 106 is configured externally on the sidewall 102 b. The drain pan 106 includes one or more drain out channels 108 a-108 d, and at least one hosepipe inlet 108 e to connect a hosepipe (not shown) receiving water from a water inlet (not shown) to rinse the rear neckline of the person during hair washing procedure as will be described in detail in the description to follow. The one or more drain out channels 108 a-108 d help in draining out the rinsing water out of the neck pad 102 during the rinsing process. The well 107 is suitably sized in length, width, and depth depending upon the size of the sidewall 102 b. In an embodiment, the one or more drain-out channels 108 a-108 d may be equal in length, width, and depth. In some other embodiment, the drain out channels 108 a-108 d may vary in length, width, and depth. The at least one hosepipe inlet 108 e receiving an end of the hosepipe is suitably sized (in length, width, and depth) to properly fit the hosepipe therein as shown in FIG. 12 . In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , the at least one hosepipe inlet 108 e may not be an open channel to receive the end of the hosepipe (FIG. 12 ), but the at least one hosepipe inlet 108 e may embody a port 108 f to connect the end of the hosepipe thereto just like the port of the water inlet.

Further, the neck pad 102 includes at least one flap 102 d integrally connected to the first sidewall 102 b and that extends downward therefrom as seen in FIGS. 1-4 . In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13-14 , the flap 102 d may be integrally connected to both the sidewalls 102 b, and 102 c. In some other embodiments, the at least one flap 102 d may be removably connected to either one or both of the sidewalls 102 b, 102 c.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the at least one flap 102 d may include one or more suction means 104 configured at underside 102 e of the flap 102 d. The suction means 104 according to one example comprises suction cups. The suction means 104 helps the sidewall 102 b to fixedly or immovably adhere onto the interior surface 203 of the salon bowl 200. The attachment using suction means 104 creates a stronger grip between the sidewall 102 b and the interior surface 203 of the bowl 200 around the curvature 202. According to other embodiments, other adhering means (for example 3M tape, glue, etc) known in the art may be utilized that would help the sidewall 102 a strongly adhere to the interior surface 203 of the bowl 200. The top portion 102 a, sidewalls 102 b,102 c, and the flap 102 d are all made of resilient gel material (Eg silicon), or soft material pliable substance used to provide cushioning and support.

Referring to FIG. 5, 6 , the neckline rinsing system 100 is shown in an assembled view, and an exploded view respectively. The neckline rinsing system 100 is shown to include a hosepipe 109 and a water inlet 110 beside the neck pad 102 discussed above. As seen, the water inlet 110 comprises a main body 110 a including a front side 110 b and a rear side 110 c (FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The rear side 110 c preferably includes means for removably connecting the water inlet 110 to the underside/interior 203 of the salon bowl 200 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 . The attachment means may be suction cups 110 d. The front side 110 b is configured to connect a connecting device 205 connected to a water source (not seen). The connecting device 205 may be a pull-out shower 205 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 . One ore more openings 110 e present on the front side 110 b of the water inlet 110 helps in moving the water from the water source to the pad 102 via the hosepipe 109 (connected to the water inlet 110 via port 110 f present in the water inlet 110) during the neckline rinsing process.

In some other embodiment (not shown), it might be possible to realize the working of the invention without the use of the water inlet 110. Instead, the first end 109 a of the hosepipe 109 may be directly connected to tape or other water source utilizing known plumbing connectors.

During the installation of the neckline rinsing system 100 of FIG. 5 is configured on the salon bowl 200 as shown in FIG. 9 . Particularly, the neck pad 102 is installed on the curvature 202 of the bowl 200 such that a retaining space 102 f (formed by the top portion 102 a and sidewalls 102 b,102 c of the neck pad 102) receives with the upper surface of the neck-receiving curvature 202 of the salon bowl 200. As seen, the neck pad 102 is concavely shaped and sized to support a rear neckline of a person 300 (as seen in FIG. 11 ) undergoing hair washing (for example after shampooing or coloring the hair or taking similar hair care treatment). The water inlet 110 is attached to the interior wall 203 of bowl 200 and an end of the hosepipe 109 is connected to the water inlet 110 (via port 110 f) whereas the other end of the hosepipe 109 is connected to the hosepipe inlet 108 e of the drain pan 106 (as also seen FIG. 12 ).

During operation (FIGS. 10-11 ), the hair stylist or hair care professional first fixes or installs the neckline rinsing system 100 of FIG. 5 on the salon bowl 200 as preferably shown in FIG. 9 . In the next step, the person/user undergoing hair wash leans the head backward against the top portion 102 a of the neck pad 102. The stylist then opens the water source and then connects the connecting device 205 to the water inlet 110. Once the water inlet 110 receives water from the water source, the water then flows through the hosepipe 109 and to the neck pad 102 and emerges upward striking the walls of the well 107 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . The stylist can use one hand to keep hold of the user's hair and hold it up to rinse up the shampoo or other cosmetics from the rear neckline areas of the head. While using one hand to hold up the user's hair for carrying out the rinsing process at the neckline, the user can use another hand to connect the connecting device 205 (pull-out shower) to the water inlet 110. If the stylist is required to stop the rinsing process, he just needs to disconnect the connecting device 205 from the water inlet 110.

The neck pad 102 and associated components, the water inlet 110, the hosepipe 109, and other components of the invention may be made using a variety of materials and in a variety of dimensions, and thus the scope of the present invention should not be considered limited to the materials, dimensions discussed herein above.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A neckline rinsing system (100), comprising: a neck pad (102) adapted to engage a neck-receiving curvature (202) of a salon bowl (200), the neck pad (102) comprising: a top portion (102 a), a first sidewall (102 b) connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion (102 a), a second sidewall (102 c) connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion (102 a), and at least one flap (102 d) connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall (102 b) or connected to and extending downward from each of the first sidewall (102 b) and the second sidewall (102 c); wherein, the first sidewall (102) comprises a drain pan (106) configured externally thereon, the drain pan (106) comprising a well (107), one or more drain out channels (108 a-108 d), and at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e); a hosepipe (109) comprising a first end (109 a), and a second end (109 b); a water inlet (110) attachable to the interior (203) of the salon bowl (200), the water inlet (110) comprising a main body (110 a) including a front side (110 b), and a rear side (110 c), and a port (1101) for connecting the first end (109 a) of the hosepipe (109) thereto; and wherein the at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e) is adapted for receiving the second end (109 a) of the hosepipe (109).
 2. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the neck pad (102) is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature (202) of the salon bowl (200).
 3. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one flap (102 d) comprises one or more suction means (104) and other adhering means configured at underside 102 e of the at least one flap (102 d) to enable the sidewall (102 b) to immovably adhere onto the interior surface (203) of the salon bowl (200).
 4. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 3, wherein the suction means 104 comprises one or more suction cups and the other adhering means comprises at least 3M tape, glue.
 5. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more drain-out channels (108 a-108 d) are equal in length, width, and depth.
 6. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more drain-out channels (108 a-108 d) vary in length, width, and depth.
 7. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the rear side (110 c) of the water inlet (110) comprises means (110 d) for removably connecting the water inlet (110) to the interior surface (203) of the salon bowl (200).
 8. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 7, wherein the means (110 d) are one or more suction cups.
 9. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the front side 110 b comprises a plurality of holes (110 e) and is configured to connect a connecting device 205 thereto.
 10. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 9, wherein the connecting device 205 is a pull-out hand shower.
 11. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall (102 b) is integrally connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion (102 a) and the second sidewall (102 c) is integrally connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion (102 a).
 12. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall (102 b) is removably connected to and extends downward from one side of the top portion (102 a) and the second sidewall (102 c) is removably connected to and extends downward from another opposing side of the top portion (102 a).
 13. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e) is configured as an open channel to receive the second end (109 b) of the hosepipe (109).
 14. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e) is configured to include a port 108 f for connecting the second end (109 b) of the hosepipe (109).
 15. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 1, wherein the top portion (102 a), the sidewalls (102 b,102 c), and the at least one flap (102 d) is made of resilient gel material, or soft material pliable substance for providing cushioning and support to the neckline of a user undergoing neckline rinsing procedure.
 16. A neckline rinsing system (100), comprising: a salon bowl (200) having a cavity (201), and a neck-receiving curvature (202) adapted to receive a neck pad (102), the neck pad (102) comprising: a top portion (102 a); a first sidewall (102 b) connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion (102 a), wherein, the first sidewall (102) comprises a drain pan (106) configured externally thereon; a second sidewall (102 c) connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion (102 a); at least one flap (102 d) connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall (102 b) or connected to and extending downward from each of the first sidewall (102 b) and the second sidewall (102 c); and a hosepipe (109) comprising a first end (109 a), and a second end (109 b); a water inlet (110) attachable onto the salon bowl (200) and comprising a main body (110 a) including a front side (110 b), a rear side (110 c), and a port (1101) for connecting a first end (109 a) of the hosepipe (109) thereto; and wherein the drain pan (106) comprising at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e) adapted for receiving the second end (109 a) of the hosepipe (109) therein.
 17. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 16, the drain pan (106) further comprising a well (107), and one or more drain out channels (108 a-108 d).
 18. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 16, wherein the neck pad (102) is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature (202) of the salon bowl (200).
 19. A neckline rinsing system (100), comprising: a salon bowl (200) having a cavity (201), and a neck-receiving curvature (202) adapted to receive a neck pad (102), the neck pad (102) comprising: a top portion (102 a); a first sidewall (102 b) connected to and extending downward from a first side of the top portion (102 a), wherein, the first sidewall (102) comprises a drain pan (106) configured externally thereon; a second sidewall (102 c) connected to and extending downward from a second side of the top portion (102 a); at least one flap (102 d) connected to and extending downward from the first sidewall (102 b) or connected to and extending downward from each of the first sidewall (102 b) and the second sidewall (102 c); and a hosepipe (109) comprising a first end (109 a), and a second end (109 b), wherein the first end (109 a) is connectable to a water source for selectively moving the water from a water source to the neck pad (102) via the hosepipe (109) connected to at least one hosepipe inlet (108 e) of the drain pan (106)
 20. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 19, wherein the neck pad (102) is concavely shaped to complement the shape of the neck-receiving curvature (202) of the salon bowl (200).
 21. The neckline rinsing system (100) of claim 19, the drain pan (106) further comprising a well (107), and one or more drain out channels (108 a-108 d). 